Project space Danube

Based on the positive experiences of the artist and curator network, which was carried out in connection with the project “Der Mensch. The river. Painting from the Danube Countries ”, initiated by the Ministry of Science, Research and Art, carried out by the cultural advisor for Southeast Europe at the Danube Swabian Central Museum in Ulm in the years 2011 – 2016, the idea arose to realize another art project in 2016. This project focused more on the exchange of artists and curators than before, but at the same time opened up to a broad audience. The aim of the project was to strengthen and expand the existing network. Artists and curators from off space were given the opportunity to meet each other, get to know artistic working environments and results, and thus expand their knowledge and experience of the Danube region. All those involved acted as multipliers, who in turn transfer their findings to their respective countries of origin and convey them there.

At the individual stations and within the framework of the three symposia – in Stuttgart, Pécs and Karlsruhe – the artists had ample opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, plan further projects together and introduce each other to the artistic worlds of the host country. In these encounters, in joint work and above all in some extremely moving discussions, networks emerged, the sustainability of which was presented in concrete joint projects as early as 2016. (Flags for the International Danube Festival 2016; exhibition by graduates of the Art Academy Osijek and Novi Sad in Stuttgart etc.) The diversity of the off spaces represented in the project space not only corresponded to the diversity of the Danube region, but also included institutions and groups in the project that had a more than enriching effect. Especially in this context – z-. B. through the inclusion of the art initiative Triade in Timisoara / Romania or the not yet completed culture house in Osijek / Croatia – the meetings received a special dynamic that acted as a catalyst for the encounters themselves, but above all for the intended sustainability of the networks.

After a total of six meetings in the Danube region, a touring exhibition was created, which will be presented in 2016 at various locations in Europe. The traveling exhibition includes 53 works of art by 39 artists from six Danube countries. Both three- and two-dimensional works are shown. The diversity of the works and thus the expressiveness of these young creative people are particularly impressive.